Psalms 147:8
Psalms 147:8 in Multiple Translations
who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
Who covereth the heavens with clouds, Who prepareth rain for the earth, Who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
By his hand the heaven is covered with clouds and rain is stored up for the earth; he makes the grass tall on the mountains.
He covers the sky with clouds to bring rain to the earth, and makes the grass grow on the hills.
Which couereth the heauen with cloudes, and prepareth raine for the earth, and maketh the grasse to growe vpon the mountaines:
Who is covering the heavens with clouds, Who is preparing for the earth rain, Who is causing grass to spring up [on] mountains,
who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
Who declareth his word to Jacob: his justices and his judgments to Israel.
He covers the sky with clouds, and then he sends rain to the earth and causes grass to grow on the hills.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 147:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֬ה
שָׁמַ֨יִם
בְּ/עָבִ֗ים
הַ/מֵּכִ֣ין
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
מָטָ֑ר
הַ/מַּצְמִ֖יחַ
הָרִ֣ים
חָצִֽיר
הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֬ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Art | V-Piel
שָׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
בְּ/עָבִ֗ים
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֵּכִ֣ין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Art | V-Hiphil
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מָטָ֑ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
N-ms
הַ/מַּצְמִ֖יחַ
tsâmach
H6779
to spring
Art | V-Hiphil
הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
חָצִֽיר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:8
הַֽ/מְכַסֶּ֬ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Art | V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
שָׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
בְּ/עָבִ֗ים
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
הַ/מֵּכִ֣ין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Art | V-Hiphil
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מָטָ֑ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
הַ/מַּצְמִ֖יחַ
tsâmach
H6779
"to spring"
Art | V-Hiphil
To spring or grow is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can describe plants, hair, or even ideas. It's used to talk about new life or development, like a seed sprouting or a person's speech growing more fluent.
Definition: 1) to sprout, spring up, grow up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to sprout, spring up 1a1a) of plants 1a1b) of hair 1a1c) of speech (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to grow abundantly or thickly 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to grow 1c2) to cause to sprout
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up). See also: Genesis 2:5; Psalms 104:14; Psalms 85:12.
הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
חָצִֽיר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
- Sermons on Psalms 147:8
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
6The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.
7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music on the harp to our God,
8who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.
9He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. 10He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 5:10 | He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields. |
| 2 | Psalms 65:9–13 | You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty. The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy. The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are decked with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing. |
| 3 | Genesis 9:14 | Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, |
| 4 | Job 26:8–9 | He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their own weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading over it His cloud. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:45 | that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| 6 | Acts 14:17 | Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” |
| 7 | Psalms 135:1 | Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD, |
| 8 | Amos 5:7–8 | There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground. He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name— |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:6 | I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” |
| 10 | Job 38:24–27 | In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth? Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? |
Psalms 147:8 Summary
Psalms 147:8 tells us that God is the one who covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the hills. This means He is in control of everything in nature and takes care of the earth. Just like God sends rain to the earth (as mentioned in Matthew 5:45), He also provides for our needs, showing us His love and care. By remembering God's power and care in creation, we can trust Him more in our daily lives, just as we are encouraged to do in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'cover the sky with clouds' in Psalms 147:8?
This phrase illustrates God's provision and care for the earth, as clouds bring shade and rain, which are essential for life, as seen in Genesis 2:5-6 where God sends rain to water the earth.
How does God's preparation of rain for the earth relate to our daily lives?
God's control over the weather, including rain, reminds us of His sovereignty and provision, as stated in Matthew 5:45 where God sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing His love and care for all people.
What is the significance of grass growing on the hills in this verse?
The growth of grass on the hills symbolizes God's beauty and abundance in creation, reflecting His glory as mentioned in Psalms 19:1 where the heavens declare the glory of God.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's kindness, provision, and creative power, attributes that are consistently demonstrated throughout the Bible, such as in Psalms 136:1 where God's lovingkindness endures forever.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God's hand in nature, such as in the provision of rain and the growth of grass, affect my trust in His daily provision for my life?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, express gratitude to God for His creation and care for the earth?
- What are some personal experiences where I have seen God's provision, similar to the way He prepares rain for the earth, and how can I use those experiences to encourage others?
- How can meditating on God's control over the natural world, as described in this verse, influence my perspective on challenges and difficulties in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:8
Who covereth the heaven with clouds,.... Which are exhalations of vapours out of the earth, and of waters out of the sea, by the sun, and formed into clouds; which are carried about in the air, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:8
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
Psalms 147:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.Ver. 8. Who covereth the heaven with clouds] As 1 Kings 18:45, and still, as there is need. It is not by nature, or hap hazard, as men are apt to dream, and are therefore so often told this truth, and admonished, that the second causes do but serve the Divine providence, in these common occurrents. Who prepareth rain for the earth] Rain (which is nothing else but the flux of a moist cloud, out of the middle region of the air), as it cometh by a decree of God, Job 28:26, so it is wholly at his disposing when and where it shall fall, even to a drop, Amos 4:7.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
Verse 8. Who covereth the heaven with clouds] Collects the vapours together, in order to cause it to rain upon the earth. Even the direction of the winds, the collection of the clouds, and the descent of the rain, are under the especial management of God. These things form a part of his providential management of the world. Maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.] After this clause the Vulgate, the Septuagint, AEthiopic, Arabic, and Anglo-Saxon, add, and herb for the service of man. It appears that a hemistich, or half-line, has been lost from the Hebrew text; which, according to the above Versions, must have stood thus: ועשב לעבדת האדם veeseb laabodath haadam, as in Psalms 104:14: "And herbage for the service of mankind."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:8
8. Cp. Psalms 104:13-14. upon the mountains] Without man’s care and cultivation. The LXX adds καὶχλὁηντῇδουλείᾳτῶνἀνθρώπων from Psalms 104:14, Vulg. ‘herbam servituti hominum,’ which appears in P.B.V. as and herb for the use of men.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:8
Who covereth the heaven with clouds - Clouds that are designed to convey refreshing rain to the earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:8
8. Clouds—The early Sanscrit calls the clouds “the cows of the gods nourishing the earth.” Upon the mountains—That is, beyond man’s reach, for the wild goats of the rock.
Sermons on Psalms 147:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And Said, Naked Came I Out of My Mother's Womb by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and trust in God's provision for the future. He emphasizes attributing all blessings to |
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I Will Cause the Shower to Come Down in His Season by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of sovereign mercy in his sermon 'I Will Cause the Shower to Come Down in His Season,' illustrating that only God has the authority to send rai |
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Rev. 22:1. the Life River by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches about the 'Life River' described in Revelation 22:1, emphasizing its significance as a source of spiritual nourishment and blessings. He draws parallels bet |
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The Lordship of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Lordship of Christ as the key to spiritual fullness, arguing that early Christians experienced a vibrant spiritual life because they acknowledged Je |
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The Descending River of God by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the descending 'river of God' as described in Psalms 65:9, 10, emphasizing the spiritual refreshing and abundance of supply that comes from God's pro |
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Personalia by Frank Grenville Beardsley | Frank Grenville Beardsley preaches about the life and character of President Finney, highlighting his traits, characteristics, and the impact of his prayers. President Finney was k |
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Faith Sets the Bow by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while we may face clouds of trouble in our lives, we should not fear destruction, as God's covenant with Noah assures us of His faithfulness. He illus |